Volume 3 (2024), Issue 2

The Dof (DNA-Binding One Zinc Finger) transcription factor family is unique to plants and performs various functions associated with activities unique to plants, including defense mechanisms, light and phytohormone responses, and seed development and germination. Though genome-wide studies have been carried out for this family in many species, but there is scarce information about Dof genes in Vigna species. In the current study, 79 non-redundant Dof proteins including 35 of them were found in V. angularis, 33 in V. radiata, and 11 in V. unguiculata. Furthermore, a comparative study was conducted on 33 non-redundant Dof proteins found in Arabidopsis thaliana. All of the identified Dof proteins in the Vigna species were found in the nucleus, according to predicted subcellular localization, which is consistent with the Dof proteins' known function as transcription factors. Moreover. All three Vigna species have several Dof proteins with predicted nuclear localization signals, suggesting a possible function for these proteins in nuclear transport and localization. Most Dof proteins were shown to have no introns by gene structure analysis; however, a small number of genes have one or two introns. The motif distribution analysis revealed motifs that were preserved over various clusters, with certain motifs being more common in particular clusters. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to assess the evolutionary hierarchy between the Dof proteins of Arabidopsis thaliana and Vigna species that revealed four major clusters, with cluster I having the greatest number of Dof proteins. These results could contribute to a better understanding of and roles of Dof genes in Vigna species.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a widely cultivated vegetable crop that is susceptible to various pathogens, including Fusarium oxysporum, which causes severe disease of wilt. Chemical control using fungicides currently poses risks to human and animal health. To find ecofriendly method, the present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of different bio-control agents (BCAs) against Fusarium wilt in Okra for eco-safe management. Okra seeds were taken from Vegetable Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute. Disease samples were collected, and the pathogen was isolated, purified, and multiplied by using potato dextrose agar media. Pure culture was used for the isolation of DNA and amplification of the ITS region was accomplished by using ITS-1 and ITS-4 primers. The fragments were visualized by running it on 1% agarose gel. The PCR product of F. oxysporum pv. vasinfectum was successfully confirmed based on size of fragment by comparing with 1 kb marker. It was verified that the selected primer pair specifically amplified the anticipated 18S rDNA fragment, measuring 500 base pairs in length. Moreover, in-vitro tests revealed that BCAs like Bacillus spp. inhibited Fusarium fungus by 41.2%, while Trichoderma inhibited it by 38.5%. Control groups exhibited no inhibition of pathogen growth. Taken together, this effort has important implications for the implementation of biological management strategies in Okra field to mitigate the impact of Fusarium wilt disease.

Okra is a popular vegetable crop grown throughout the world during the spring and summer seasons. It is valued for its edible green seed pods. It is a member of the hibiscus family, Malvaceae with floral characteristics, originated from tropical Africa, and was first cultivated in Egypt in the 12th century. Numerous biotic and abiotic variables, such as illnesses and insect pests, are negatively affecting okra production. One of them, leaf spot, is a dangerous fungal disease that can appear in okra-growing regions. Okra as ladyfinger or bhindi in Pakistan is a widely cultivated vegetable crop that holds significant economic importance in the country. A field experiment was designed using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The study involved different levels of poultry manure and various okra varieties. Manure was applied in the following amounts per hectare: 0 tonnes, 5 tonnes, 10 tonnes, 15 tonnes, and 20 tonnes. The okra varieties used were Sabzpari, F1 Green gold, Super Lady, Saloni, Swat Green, and Kiran. Data collected included: Plant height: Measured from the bottom to the tip of the plant using a measuring scale. Fruit length: Measured using water displacement and vernier calipers. Stem girth: Measured 2 inches above the soil surface using a digital caliper. Fruit weight: Determined using a digital scale. Number of fruits per plant: Counted and averaged. Yield per plant: Total weight of fruits harvested from each plant. Number of leaves and spot leaf disease: Leaves counted and checked for fungal disease.Fresh pod weight: Weighed using a digital scale. Application of manure 20 tonnes ha-1 exhibited significant maximum results with 136.96 complaint height, 5.39 cm fruit length, 3.30 cm stem girth, 10.62 g fruit weight, 3.57 number of fruits plant-1, 725.31 g yield plant-1, 10.19 number of leaves plant-1 and 10.33 g fresh pod weight. In contrast, okra treated under control exhibited the lowest performance, 118.17 cm plant height, 2.50 cm fruit length, 2.57cm stem girth, 7.75g fruit weight, 2.84 number of fruits plant-1, 315.99 g yield plant-1, 5.38 number of leaves plant-1 and 8.62 g fresh pod weight. Among the okra variety, Kiran yielded the best results, with 129.93 cm plant height, 4.25 cm fruit length, 3.01 cm stem girth, 9.48 g fruit weight, 3.29 number of fruits plant-1, 563.74 g yield plant-1, 8.29 number of leaves plant-1 and 9.67 g fresh pod weight. On the other hand, the variety Sabzpari showed the lowest performance, with 125.58 cm plant height, 3.65 cm fruit length, 2.86 cm stem girth, 8.88g fruit weight, 3.14 number of fruits plant-1, 478.37 g yield plant-1, 7.29 number of leaves plant-1 and 9.31 g fresh pod weight. After going through the findings of the present research, it has been suggested that the Application of manure@ 20 tonnes ha-1 can be an effective growth regulator for okra crops, leading to improved growth and increased yields. Spot leaf disease on okra leaves affects the leaves due to fungal infection.

In recent years, citrus has become one of the major fruit crops in Pakistan for export. Citric acid, oxalic acid, malic acid, malonic acid and succinic acid are organic acids found in citrus fruits that provide calories and are easily digested as they are part of metabolic pathways in the human body. Fusarium spp., are primarily responsible for causing dry root rot in citrus, which is one of the most serious fungal diseases affecting citrus worldwide. Various citrus diseases, e.g., root rot, canker, damping-off, and wilt, have been linked to Fusarium species. The symptoms of dry root rot include larger roots decay and trunk below bud union without any oozing of gum, reduced vigor in the canopy, dull green leaves, twig dieback and inhibited new growth. Fusarium spp., is a complex species that can remain in the soil for a long time and is transmitted by wind, machinery, and water. Dry root rot and Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum are commonly found causing this disease globally. Biocontrol agents, such as Trichoderma species (harzianum and viride), have been used to manage several phytopathogens, including the causal agent of dry root rot, Fusarium, to promote eco-friendly practices instead of using harmful chemicals in agriculture. Additionally, the management of dry root rot disease caused by Fusarium spp., necessitates the optimization of irrigation and fertilization inputs. Along with sanitation practices, regular scouting and monitoring of key pests and diseases play a crucial role in enhancing control methods and minimizing pesticide usage.

Bacterial leaf spot caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria is a key pathological problem faced by bell pepper crop. The extensive use of chemical treatments has heightened environmental toxicity. Green-synthesized nanoparticles have been developed for managing plant diseases intervention while minimizing environmental harm. An experiment was carried out with three replications for each treatment, testing different concentrations (0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%) of green-synthesized nanoparticles of Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), and a combination of Copper and Zinc (Cu+Zn) under laboratory conditions using a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) to manage Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria. The Cu+Zn nanoparticles exhibited the largest inhibition zone (13.733 mm), followed by Zn nanoparticles (7.9378 mm) and Cu nanoparticles (7.0048 mm), all compared to the control. Similarly, a greenhouse experiment with three replications of each treatment and concentration, which demonstrated significant results in lab conditions, was conducted. The Cu+Zn nanoparticles resulted in the lowest disease incidence (17.937 %), followed by Zn nanoparticles (22.966 %) and Cu nanoparticles (27.768 %), compared to the control. Additionally, a field trial was performed using a RCBD with three replicates per treatment and a single concentration that had shown the best results in lab conditions. In field conditions, Cu nanoparticles showed the highest disease incidence (31.374 %), followed by Zn nanoparticles (27.442 %) and Cu+Zn nanoparticles (22.637 %) in comparison to the control group. Recent outcomes suggest that neem-mediated copper-zinc hybrid nanoparticles are an effective tool for combating bacterial leaf spot in bell peppers.

Sesame holds a dominant position in global agriculture, primarily due to its rich protein content. This crop, however, faces a considerable threat in the form of Fusarium wilt, caused by the destructive Fusarium oxysporum. Despite advancements in agricultural technology, a significant portion of worldwide sesame production continues to be marred by this devastating disease. To address this issue, the current study was designed to manage Fusarium wilt in sesame through a series of screening trials involving various varieties, soil amendments, and seed treatments using different chemicals. The screening trial was carried out at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute; with disease severity recorded using the rating scale. Among the six varieties/lines assessed, two varieties (Black Till and Till-18) exhibited resistance to the disease. To combat Fusarium wilt, the efficacy of different fungicides at varying concentrations was evaluated via petri plate culture assays in laboratory conditions. Among the three fungicides tested (Topsin-M, Carbendazim, Metallaxyl+Mancozeb), Carbendazim displayed the highest disease inhibition at all concentrations, surpassing Topsin-M and Sherit. Notably, the 200 ppm concentration of Carbendazim exhibited a disease incidence of 55.74%, while the 300 ppm and 400 ppm concentrations yielded 56.13% and 56.53%, respectively. Similarly, the effectiveness of various soil amendments (Poultry manure, Rice husk, Sugarcane bagasse) at different concentrations were assessed against the test pathogen under field conditions. Among these amendments, Poultry manure exhibited the highest disease inhibition at all concentrations compared to sugarcane bagasse and rice husk. The 10% concentration of Poultry manure resulted in a disease incidence of 58.21%, whereas the 20% and 30% concentrations yielded 56.87% and 59.54%, respectively.